LUXGetaway » Beach

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Continues Global Growth with Debut of St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Residences

Carmen — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:40:54 +0000

Miami Beach is a vibrant destination full of energy and excitement that attracts international travellers from all over the world. Now those travellers have a new destination in the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Residences. Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced the grand opening of the world-class resort on January 20, making note of the fact that its opening marks a tripling of the global St. Regis portfolio over the last five years.

At the heart of the resort is a culture of art, design, and world-class fashion. Throughout the property guests will be treated to splendid art works from Santiago Rubino, Candida Hofer, and Sawada Hirotoshi. Rubino, a Miami Beach native, was commissioned to create a mural, which stands as the centrepiece of the hotel’s bar and lounge. The hotel’s interior design, which is largely the work of world-class design firm Yabu Pushelberg, makes use of Movinque wood from West Africa, Chinese God Flower Stone, and plenty of granite from Starwood’s private quarry.

The property offers 245 private residences as well as a resort boasting 243 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Both the residences and guest rooms come with breathtaking ocean views, spacious balconies, and the signature St. Regis Butler service. The property consists of three 27-story towers, with floor to ceiling glass, overlooking the ocean and the sprawling white sand beaches of Miami.

As for the residences, buyers can choose from a variety of one to five bedroom floor plans starting at 1700 square feet. The most spacious of the residences comes in an astounding 6800 square feet. Units feature spacious outdoor living areas, state-of-the-art technology, private balconies, and access to all of the amenities enjoyed by resort guests. Those world-class amenities include the Remède Spa & Fitness Center.

At the spa you’ll be spoiled with 12 treatment rooms featuring the latest in well-being treatments as well as a fitness centre with an ocean view, separate lounges for men and women, steam rooms, sauna, and a full-service salon. The entire spa experience is designed to provide you with the ultimate in relaxation, tranquillity, and revitalization. Guests can customize their spa experience to indulge in whatever way they see fit.

According to St. Regis officials, the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Residences aims to be a destination in of itself. It’s located on the northern tip of Miami Beach, well within walking distance of the city centre and the South Beach area. For discriminating travellers looking for a new home in South Florida, St. Regis Bal Harbour is the place to be.

Rates start at over $700 per night at the hotel. The residences range from $1.7M- $11M

St. Regis Bal Harbour
http://www.stregisbalharbour.com/
9703 Collins Avenue
Bal Harbour – Miami Beach, Florida 33154
305-993-3300

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Hilton Puerto Vallarta to Open in 2012

Michael — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:03:37 +0000

Hilton Hotels is headed to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico according to a recently released statement from Hilton Worldwide. The company announced it has signed an agreement with Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe to develop and operate the popular tourist destination’s first Hilton resort. The new property is scheduled to open in mid-2012.

Not only will the new hotel be conveniently located just a few minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s airport and cruise ship terminal, but it will also offer the same luxurious hotel experience Hilton Hotels & Resorts is known for worldwide. The hotel will feature nearly 260 world-class rooms as well as honeymoon suites and executive accommodations. Rooms will feature modern décor, elegant design, plenty of amenities, and an atmosphere designed around comfort and relaxation.

State- of-the-art facilities will include a spa for self-indulgent pampering, a complete fitness center with swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a beauty salon and solarium, and a host of exciting entertainment options. For your dining pleasure Hilton is planning several different restaurants featuring international, Italian, and local Mexican cuisine. The entire package is capped off with a nightclub featuring the best martinis and a stunning view of the Bandera Bay.

Aulani Disney Resort – The Luxury Hawaiian Getaway

Carmen — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:53:40 +0000

Always known for its first-class accommodations and entertainment venues, Disney opened its latest resort hotel on the island of Oahu, Hawaii to much fanfare and customer anticipation. The first guests arrived the last week of August to enjoy a combination of Disney quality and the gorgeous island atmosphere of Hawaii; an atmosphere that provides an unforgettable holiday getaway for people of all ages.

The Aulani Disney Resort sits on 21 gorgeous acres of waterfront space just 30 minutes from Waikiki. Guests can spend their days soaking up the sun, relaxing in a Disney spa, touring the island with official Disney excursions, and having fun in the resort’s swimming pools. Yet the hotel’s most unique feature is its storytelling theme, which plays off the ancient Hawaiian tradition of carrying on indigenous history through storytelling. And as an added bonus, just like Disney has scattered “hidden Mickey’s” all over its resorts in Orlando, they’ve also hidden an unknown number of Menehune statues for guests to try and find.

Accommodations

The resort is still under construction, but will include 359 hotel rooms and more than 475 two-bedroom villas when complete. All the rooms and villas will be built within two resort towers and will offer stunning views of the ocean, the lush greenery, and the glorious Hawaiian mountains. Each of the spacious rooms is exceptionally decorated in Disney’s signature, over-the-top, imaginative style, with special attention being given to highlighting traditional Hawaiian architecture and culture. And with each room guests are treated to the legendary Disney quality and top-notch service.

Amenities

The Aulani is truly a family-friendly paradise with something for both adults and children. The adults will especially enjoy the Laniwai, an 18,000 sq ft spa and fitness centre with 15 treatment rooms. Traditional Hawaiian healing techniques are the centre of the spa, designed to provide the ultimate in relaxation and well-being. For those who love traditional Hawaiian Art, the Aulani features wonderful works throughout including a stunning lobby mural painted by artist Martin Charlot. Your senses will be overwhelmed by the multiple layers, patterns, and scenes that all combine to tell the Hawaiian story.

As usual, Disney has not forgotten the children either. They have access to their own kids club with plenty of age-appropriate activities that are both entertaining and educational. The resort boasts its own water park with pools, fountains, and a handful of water slides that combine for a full day of waterfront. And for the adventurous, Disney offers the Makai Preserve conservation pool where kids can interact with exotic marine wildlife.

Dining

The Aulani offers dining options through two restaurants contained on-site. Both feature an extensive menu utilizing traditional Hawaiian ingredients provided by local fishermen and farmers. For breakfast, the Makahiki features the opportunity to dine with Disney characters. As morning turns into afternoon, and then eventually evening, the Makahiki ambience changes with programmed lighting. And last but not least, three bars treat guest to an extensive list of exotic drinks, as well as individual themes.

The Aulani Disney Resort is not just for kids, adults will enjoy their time as well.

Nightly rates start at just under $400 per night.

Aulani Disney Resort
92-1185 Aliʻinui Drive
Kapolei, HI 96707

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Bora Bora: Visiting Paradise at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Michael — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:40:41 +0000

The St. Regis brand is well known around the world for their exquisite service. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, a Starwood category 7 hotel, is no exception. Set in the tropical paradise that is French Polynesia, it all begins with your arrival.

Upon arriving at the small, open-air Bora Bora Airport you will be met by a courteous and attentive greeter from St. Regis who will welcome you with a smile and conduct you to your boat transfer. From there you’ll enjoy a mesmerizing boat ride across crystal blue waters to The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Along the way you will be awestruck by the scenery surrounding you; it’s the only place in the world that looks better in person than on a postcard.

Overview and Amenities

As you arrive to the resort, you’ll notice is the majestic view of Mount Otemanu rising into the sky. The St. Regis Bora Bora is an equally majestic resort, situated on 44 acres of lush greenery, a white sand beach, and peaceful lagoon. It is adorned with exotic woods, native fabrics, and regional artwork, which makes for an atmosphere of beauty, elegance, and relaxation. As you step off the boat the St Regis staff is awaiting your arrival with a refreshing glass of tropical juice. Check-in is in the form of a private tour of the entire property via a golf cart driven by your personal ‘butler.’ Once the tour is complete, your butler proceeds directly to your private villa or suite to explain all of the features within your accommodation.

The St. Regis Bora Bora offers 100 villas and suites, built over water or on the beach. Every villa and suite has its own majestic view. Some of the units include luxury amenities such as outdoor whirlpools and private swimming pools. For the ultimate in luxurious living, you might want to book a stay at the resort’s ‘Royal Estate.’

The Royal Estate includes two individual living rooms, a dining room with a terrace, a chef’s kitchen, three bedrooms, a private hamam and whirlpool, and a private spa and treatment room. Outdoors there are three pavilions surrounding a gorgeous swimming pool and a private white sand beach where you can relax completely undisturbed. The entire suite is approximately 13,000 square feet of sumptuous, indulgent space.

If you aren’t staying in the Royal Estate, with access to a private treatment room, your stay will be further enhanced by the resort’s Spa Miri Miri, situated on its own private island. At the spa you’ll be treated to traditional Pacific Rim and Tahitian treatments that will leave you relaxed and refreshed. In addition, its state-of-the-art gym facilities boast all of the latest in fitness technology and equipment. The resort also has a full size tennis court, complete with complimentary rackets and balls.

While you’re relaxing in the spa your children will be well taken care of in the St. Regis Kids Club. Here they will enjoy a wide range of activities geared specifically to their age and interests. You’ll be comfortable in knowing they are in the care of trained professionals who will keep them happy, healthy, and entertained.

The main pool is near the beach and has an attached bar, allowing guests to order drinks and snacks while sitting on underwater stools. If you’re looking for a more private experience, the resort also offers a more secluded pool area that is geared toward adults. It has private cabana areas and full poolside butler service.

Dining Options

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort offers a daily breakfast buffet. One of the highlights of the buffet is the many fresh squeezed juices, including orange, banana, guava, and pineapple, to name a few. The breakfast offerings are extensive, and what isn’t readily available can be made to order.

For your dining pleasure later in the day, the St. Regis Bora Bora offers three different restaurant options. The Sushi Take Restaurant is Bora Bora’s only Japanese sushi and sake restaurant featuring an onsite sushi chef. If you prefer local cuisine, the Te Pahu restaurant is a Mediterranean style experience, featuring all-day dining with an open kitchen and beachside tables. International cuisine and French Polynesia’s finest gastronomic experience is found at the hallmark Lagoon Restaurant, by the famous Jean-Georges.

Services & Amenities

According to the St. Regis philosophy, a luxury resort is more than just wonderful accommodations. St. Regis takes service to the next level by offering guests much more than they experience elsewhere, starting with personalized butler service. The butler service may be called on demand for various needs, including complimentary golf cart pick-up as a mode of transportation to other areas within the property. Twice daily maid service, in-room dining, the kids club, babysitting service upon request, dry-cleaning and laundry, an art gallery, and several premier boutiques, including a Robert Wan Black Pearl Boutique, are all part of the standard services and amenities available. Every night during the turn-down service you can expect a new tin box of delicious, locally made cookies to be left on your bed.

The property is so large that in addition to the golf cart transportation service, there are also numerous bikes available to ride on the property. Speaking of transportation, if you want to visit the main island of Bora Bora, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort offers two complimentary round-trip boat rides per day. In addition, if you make dinner reservations on the main island there is also a complimentary boat that will take you to the drop-off area for the restaurant shuttles; the boat brings you back to the resort from the main island at a scheduled time as well.

If you require access to the internet, the resort has three complimentary PC’s within the library. If you want the ability to use the internet in the comfort of your own villa or suite, an in-room connection is available, but there is a daily rate.

Many of the staff members at The St. Regis Bora Bora learn the guests’ names, habits, and preferences, making for a personalized experience for every guest. The concierge staff we worked with started planning adventures for us prior to our arrival, which allowed our special time at the resort to be focused on enjoying the activities instead of planning them.

Nightly rates at The St. Regis Bora Bora start at about $1,000/night and range up to $17,000/night for the Royal Estate.

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Motu Ome’e BP 506
Bora Bora, 98730

Discover the whole trip to Bora Bora here: http://luxgetaway.com/tag/lux-destination-bora-bora/

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Experience Tropical Paradise Off the Coast of Tanzania at Essque Zalu Zanzibar

Carmen — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:05:10 +0000

Off the coast of Tanzania, in the beautiful Indian Ocean, lies the tropical island paradise of Zanzibar. Sitting gracefully at the north end of Zanzibar is the beautiful Essque Zalu Zanzibar, a world-class resort offering a luxury experience of a lifetime. Guests will enjoy an atmosphere of natural wonders, African mystery, and deep rooted legends. Explore the streets of Swahili, learn about the local people and their culture, and let your senses run while among the areas of many spice plantations.

The Essque Zalu Zanzibar is located in the extreme northern region of Nungwi, in an area known for its exquisite diving opportunities. Guests have access to the region through Stone Town on Zanzibar’s east coast. You may choose between a 20 minute flight from Dar es Salaam to the airport at Stone Town, or a ferry which makes the same trip in about 50 minutes. From Stone Town you’re a mere 50-minute car ride from the resort.

The resort offers 40 suites and 9 villas all designed to captivate you in a world of unparalleled luxury. The suites all include gorgeous views of either the turquoise-blue waters of the Indian Ocean or the resort’s lush, tropical gardens. You’ll find the ambience to be very tasteful with a combination of local materials, indigenous artwork, and traditional Makuti roofing. The resort’s villas are a bit larger than the suites and come in three-bedroom or four-bedroom options. The villas all boast a private pool, kitchen, and private terrace or balcony. Villa guests are also free to enjoy in-room massages and dining options.

Personal “Navigators” are available to all guests at the Essque Zalu Zanzibar. In addition to making sure you’re as comfortable as possible, they will also assist you in making your way around the area and finding great things to do. The island offers a long list of natural and historical wonders including a hiking trail marking Dr. Livingstone’s root through Zanzibar, the majestic peaks of Mount Meru, and historical Stone Town, which just happens to be the region’s oldest trading village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Finally, guests will enjoy a good selection of dining options to suit every taste. The Essque Zalu Zanzibar offers three unique restaurants, a café for light dining, and two bars stocked with the best spirits. The cuisine is cosmopolitan, featuring plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and breads straight from the oven.

Rates start at over $500 per night.

Visit the Essque Hotels website for more information: http://www.essquehotels.com/essque-zalu-zanzibar.html

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Starwood’s First All-Inclusive Resort: New Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal

Michael — Wed, 18 May 2011 08:13:29 +0000

Latin America continues to be the target of an aggressive development campaign from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., as evidenced by the announcement of its first all-inclusive resort in a Costa Rica. The new Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal, a renovation of what was previously the Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort, is already under way and should be completed by the end of the year. All of the hotel’s 406 rooms and public areas will get a complete makeover. In addition, Starwood plans to open three more Latin American hotels in 2011.

The exclusive Westin Resort & Spa experience begins for guests as soon as they enter the resort’s lobby. They are greeted with the brand’s Sensory Welcome which strives to create an awakening of sight, sound, smell and taste that will soothe and relax. Gentle music plays in the background while the eyes feast on beautiful botanicals and exquisite mood lighting. Subtle fragrance fragrances permeate the air, evoking a calm and peaceful feeling which is perfectly complemented by Westin’s subtle but captivating White Tea.

In your suit you’ll experience comfort and luxury as you have never known, complete with the best night’s sleep possible. Westin’s Heavenly Bed is a 10-layer paradise of comfort known the world over for providing a deep, restful sleep and allowing you to wake refreshed and fully energized. And to start your day Westin’s Heavenly Bath experience awaits you. You’ll be treated to a private “spa” of sorts with a rejuvenating shower and bath.

The Westin Resort & Spa features a Westin Workout fitness facility as well as 6500 ft.² of banquet and meeting facilities. It is the ideal setting for your corporate gatherings, social gatherings, and weddings. And if all this were not enough, the property was named one of the Top 25 Foreign Golf Resorts in 2010 by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine. For accommodations in Playa Conchal, Costa Rica, the new Westin Resort & Spa is the address of choice.

Rates start at just under $400 per night.

The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal S/N,Cabo VelasPlaya Conchal
Guanacaste232-5150
Costa Rica
Phone: (506) 2654-3500

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Now Open: Balcones del Atlántico – Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Carmen — Sat, 07 May 2011 20:45:29 +0000

RockResorts welcomes you to the Dominican Republic and the newest luxury hotel in its family, the Balcones del Atlántico Las Terrenas. Set near the small and quaint fishing village of Las Terrenas, the property has all the charm and warmth you would expect from the Dominican Republic combined with the elegance and luxury RockResorts is known for. Just opened a few months ago, the Balcones del Atlántico includes all the Caribbean has to offer with its white sand beach, crystal-clear water, and views to die for. The resort is located at the north end of the Samaná Peninsula which is accessible through direct flights from several U.S. cities including Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York, and a Philadelphia.

This newest of Caribbean resorts offers 86 well-appointed villa suites, each with two or three bedrooms. The natural Caribbean environment provides the design theme, which is both comfortable and stylish. For an extra special touch of luxury the hotel offers a Penthouse Villa that includes a private, rooftop plunge pool and 4000 ft.² of space to comfortably accommodate up to seven guests. All of the suites enjoy private terraces and kitchen facilities.

For your relaxation the Balcones del Atlántico offers you a RockResort spa providing well-being treatments and the highest level of relaxation and comfort. You’ll also enjoy a beachside bar and restaurant, gourmet deli, and two beautiful swimming pools. One of the pools even offers a swim-up bar for your poolside refreshment. And if you would prefer to go into town for local dining and shopping, it is just minutes away.

Finally, Rocket Resorts has gone the extra mile with Balcones del Atlántico to be sensitive to the Dominican Republic’s stunning natural environment. Between the hotel’s eco-friendly atmosphere and construction, and the region’s ecotourism industry as a whole, you will be able to enjoy the sophisticated luxury of a new Caribbean resort while knowing that your impact on the environment is minimal.

Rates start at $300 per night for stays of five or more nights.

Balcones del Atlántico Las Terrenas
C/ Jacinto Mañon No. 5, Plaza el Avellano, Suite 3, Paraiso
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

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Hilton Opens Pattaya Beachfront Resort in Pattaya, Thailand

Carmen — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:35:43 +0000

The Hilton has opened a floating hotel in Pattaya, Thailand. Hilton Pattaya is a beachfront resort that overlooks the Gulf of Thailand and is located approximately 90 minutes southeast of Bangkok. The hotel is located at the complex that has Southeast Asia’s largest beachfront shopping and entertainment facility including more than 200 shops and restaurants and 10-screen cinema. Guests who stay at the Hilton Pattaya have exclusive access to the complex through the ground floor.

This luxury hotel has 302 elegant guest rooms and suites located on floors 19 – 33 of the hotel. Suites offer floor to ceiling windows. All rooms offer mesmerizing ocean views from private balconies. Rooms are stylishly decorated, and have spacious bathrooms with rain showers and bathtubs. Other facilities include separate living and dining areas. Many suites also include bathtubs on the balconies.

The hotel offers five restaurants with food ranging from seafood, aged meats, Asian cusine, and more. Guests are also offered tapas-style dishes and cocktails in a stylish lobby lounge and bar.

Hilton Pattaya resort will be the first of the Hilton hotels to open Hilton’s new global spa concept called Eforea Spa.

Rates are very affordable starting in the mid one hundred-dollar range.

Hilton Pattaya
333/101 Moo 9 Nong Prue Banglamung
Pattaya Chonburi, Thailand 20260
66-38-253000

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Relax on an Island within an Island at W Hotel’s Newest: W Retreat Koh Samui in Thailand

Carmen — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 08:52:45 +0000

Starwood’s W Hotels has just opened its newest location, ‘W Retreat Koh Samui’ in Thailand. The hotel is located on a heaven like island. This beautiful hotel has all the great features and amenities, but this time it comes with 75 beachfront villas. Each villa has its own unique location and a private pool.

Some great features of W Retreat Koh Samui are The W Library that contains books, magazines and DVD’s and can be accessed at any time of the day or night, the AWAY Spa, SWEAT fitness Center and The WAVE that has water sports and activity center right under the sun. Koh Samui has a one of a kind Whatever/Whenever Service that gives guests a great opportunity to have fun and fulfill their desire anywhere anytime.

The rooms include a outdoor rain shower, sun lounges, and custom made furnishings and connecting rooms. In room entertainment includes Yamaha Sound system, 46” Samsung LCD TV, and a 22” LCD TV in bathroom and DVD/CD Player.

Enjoy 6 restaurants and/or lounges while you visit the W Retreat Koh Samui. Eat several different types of cuisine, from Thai to gourmet pizzas, and buffets are all available at the restaurants. All restaurants and lounges have cool names to go along with their cool atmosphere’s: Tonic Bar, The Kitchen Table, W Lounge, WOOBAR, Namu, & SIP.

Rates for W Retreat Koh Samui start at over $500.

W Retreat Koh Samui
4/1 Moo 1 Tambol Maenam
Surat Thani
Koh Samui, 84330 Thailand
Phone: (66)(77) 915999
Website

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The Big Island Hawaii: The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

lea — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:04:13 +0000

Our last hotel spotlight is on The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows. The Mauna Lani is situated on the Kohala Coast on acres of gorgeous Hawaiian land. The hotel can best be described as classic luxury. It has maintained its clean look and feel over time; not over done or understated, The Mani Lani boasts its tropical elegance through its open-air hotel architecture, lush gardens, and sandy beaches on the property’s oceanfront.

The experience at The Mani Lani extends from the cushioned lounge chairs poolside to the turndown service guests receive each night. Every guest room has a lanai, and the hotel is constructed so that each room captures as much ocean view available. The interior of the hotel is highlighted by plants and ponds, which are inhabited by baby sea turtles and fish.

If you’re one that prefers more seclusion from other hotel guests, the bungalows are only a short walk away. Each bungalow has its own private beachfront and driveway access, providing a truly exclusive experience. With 4,000 square feet of living space in each bungalow, more than a few people can stay comfortably in them.

A lot of the activities at The Mauna Lani are free of charge and the kids program focuses on exploration of the natural grounds. With so many sea creatures and ancient petroglyphs close by, the family will never run out of things to see and do. For those that want to relax, there is a spa that features a Vichy shower and natural lava sauna and also a fitness center.

If you’re a golfer, The Mauna Lani is the place for you. There are 2 18-hole golf courses on the property with sweeping views of the ocean’s expanse. They were carved out of lava formations and are rated within the Top 10 Eco-Friendly Courses. Words cannot begin to describe the breathtaking views one gets to experience when playing on a Mauna Lani course.

The Mauna Lani has 3 restaurants to choose from, and dinner at the CanoeHouse is a real treat. Fresh island-sourced ingredients, a chef that combines wonderful flavors, and an expert sommelier make dining at the hotel an experience not to be underestimated. Breakfast at the Bay Terrace is delicious as well, featuring tropical twists on American standards like French toast and waffles.

Complimentary activities, while staying at the Mauna Lani:

Floral Lei & Tropical Fruit Juice upon arrival
Complimentary Internet access
Fitness Club Lap pool
Snorkeling Equipment
Morning Coffee & Tea
In-room Kona Coffee & Tea
Local Newspaper
Hawaiian Entertainment
Valet & Self-Park
Bicycles to explore the resort
Joggers Amenities
Beach Amenities
Guest Laundry Room
Resort Shuttle Service
Fish & Turtle Feeding Tours
Ukulele & Hawaiian Weaving Lessons

Rates at The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel start at over $200.

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows
www.maunalani.com
68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive
Kohala Coast, Island of Hawaii 96743

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